Orlando Non-Compete Agreement Lawyer

Orlando Non-Compete Agreement Attorney

For non-compete agreement conflicts, an Orlando non-compete agreement lawyer provides professional assistance when you need it. Whether you have an employer that you think may take advantage of you or an employee that may do the same, you need to know the laws and regulations of Florida non-competes. Hire a non-compete agreement lawyer who knows the law and can help if any disputes or issues arise.

Orlando Non-Compete Agreement Laws

In Florida, non-compete agreements are regulated under Florida law, mainly by Florida Statute § 542.335. These agreements can only be enforced if their duration, geographic limits, and business interests are reasonable. The CHOICE Act changes became effective in July 2025, allowing non-compete agreement durations to extend up to four years for higher-earning employees with certain notice and compensation conditions.

Employers need to provide evidence that their non-compete agreement serves to protect legitimate business interests, including trade secrets and confidential client information. When non-compete agreements focus on specific legitimate needs and provide appropriate consideration, courts can enforce them. Who Is Affected by Non-Compete Agreements?

A recent study analysis showed that 22.1% of private employees surveyed were under a non-compete agreement. In this survey, 33,000 employees were analyzed. Another study showed that 13% of respondents making less than $40,000 per year are currently working under a non-compete clause. 33% of respondents making less than $40,000 per year have worked under one at some point in their lives.

Employer Defenses in Non-Compete Cases

Employers often attempt to defend a non-compete based on the reasonableness of the time, geographic limitations, and that they are only protecting legitimate business interests, such as trade secrets, confidential information, or customer relationships. A large portion of non-compete claims in Orlando are filed in the Orange County Courthouse, which is where we frequently see courts take a hard look at these defenses.

In our response to the employer’s defenses, a non-compete agreement attorney can argue that the provisions within the agreement are greater than necessary to protect the employer’s business interests. The analysis from can include an examination of whether proper consideration backed the agreement, along with adherence to Florida’s non-compete laws and modifications introduced by the CHOICE Act. We strive to protect workers by opposing non-compete agreements that are excessively broad and unclear.

Hire an Orlando Non-Compete Agreement Lawyer

In some states, an employer may require you to sign a non-compete clause before starting work. If you have signed a non-compete agreement, there are some things that you should do to protect your career and your legal rights.

Non-compete clauses can severely restrict your ability to work, so it’s important that you understand your obligations and your options from the very beginning to avoid having to spend time and money fighting for your rights. If you are bound by a non-compete, take the following steps:

• Review the agreement. Ensure that you fully grasp the non-compete’s duration period, along with the geographic limitations and the specific business activities it aims to restrict. Pay attention to any garden leave clauses or compensation requirements.
• Seek legal advice. Contact an experienced Orlando non-compete agreement lawyer like Attorney Gary Costales, P.A. who can assess the enforceability of the non-compete and advise you on your options.
• Document everything. Keep records of all communications related to your employment and non-compete agreement, including any changes to your job responsibilities or compensation.
• Do not violate the terms. Even if you feel like the agreement is unfair, until you receive legal advice, do not take any action that could potentially violate the non-compete agreement.
• Explore other options. In some cases, non-compete agreements can be renegotiated or modified to make them more reasonable.

About Us

Costales Law is directed by a Board Certified Labor and Employment Attorney with over 20 years of experience in the drafting, negotiation, and litigation of non-compete agreements. At Costales Law, we are familiar with Florida’s non-compete laws, and we have extensive experience with non-compete agreement cases.

We have represented both employers and employees, which puts us in a unique position to better understand both sides of the issues involved. Our approach allows for fierce advocacy when needed, while we maintain personal and individual attention for you throughout your career or business challenges.

FAQs

Contact the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A.

If you’re facing challenges with a non-compete agreement, don’t navigate it alone. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A. We’re ready to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.